Mr. Putin has reportedly regarded the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games as a Russian show of patriotism, as well as a means of casting a favorable global view onto the nation. Corruption and construction cost overruns and delays have plagued, however. And the ski-jump construction delay — from 2011 to July 2013, according to Channel News Asia — was a final straw.

"The decision about the sacking has been taken," said Deputy Prinme Minister Dmitry Kozak, in the Channel News Asia report."People who do not carry out their obligations to such an extent cannot lead the Olympic movement of our country."